Wrist Cushion Device

ABSTRACT

The wrist cushion device supports the wrist with a plastic housing and is lined with a thick layer of foam substance covered in a neoprene or similar material. The user is able to lock their wrist into the device and be able to move freely with little or no friction to be used at or on any smooth surface. The device is applicable for use of computer use in using a keyboard and mouse and not limited to but for even artists for drawing where repetitive movements are common.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional patent application No. 61/906,123 filed Nov. 19, 2013.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to devices for alleviation and or prevention of carpal tunnel syndrome. More particularly, the present invention is in the technical field of Wrist Cushion devices for people who routinely engage in activities that involve repetitive movements of the hand and wrist such as with a computer keyboard in combination with and not limited to a computer mouse.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Prolonged use of primarily computer devices such as a mouse or keyboard for an extensive period of time can cause repetitive restriction in a persons wrist which could lead to various stages or carpal tunnel syndrome.

Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when the median nerve, which runs from the forearm into the palm of the hand, becomes pressed or squeezed at the wrist. The median nerve controls sensations to the palm side of the thumb and fingers (although not the little finger), as well as impulses to some small muscles in the hand that allow the fingers and thumb to move. The carpal tunnel—a narrow, rigid passageway of ligament and bones at the base of the hand—houses the median nerve and tendons. Sometimes, thickening from irritated tendons or other swelling narrows the tunnel and causes the median nerve to be compressed. The result may be pain, weakness, or numbness in the hand and wrist, radiating up the arm.

Primarily most conventional wrist cushion devices, such as those made with similar materials used in bean bags and some have gel filled supports and memory type foam usually attached to a mouse pad or an isolated device are usually stationary.

It is in most cases, products that support the wrist for ergonomic reasons where the devises are stationary which are not efficient and can cause discomfort and other types of medical issues. One of the most popular devices is used with the mouse and a second for use with a keyboard. As a stationary device the bean bag type of material is the most common but it very restrictive and causes limited movement which can cause a great deal of discomfort and not be very effective. This not being a convenient way for any user since the computer devices mentioned above require continuous movement when using the products. It is common to continuously lift ones hand off the pad and place down again to hit certain keys that can add stress to the wrists and arms over a prolonged period of time.

Therefore there is a need for a modification to the designs of cushioned wrist supports that allow for fluid movement with ease of use without the need for straps and other types of locking mechanisms. The need for such a device to move freely with little or no friction while remaining secured and parallel to the users wrist is ideal to reduce or prevent carpal tunnel syndrome. The device would be created to be a one size fits all that is made up of simple design and material so it can be supplied to large groups of users in any given office space.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A wearable mouse cushion device that allows the user to move freely and glide across any smooth surface. With little or no friction the device supports their wrists and allows the cushion to remain parallel to the tendons of the arm for which it is to support elevated from the surface.

A method to lock a users wrist into the device is done with out straps or rope or any connection similar to Velcro but with resistance from foam which extends beyond the plastic casing.

To achieve a user to be locked into the device the top edge of the casing has an extension of foam with a plastic tab inside for resistance and to keep the foam formed in the same location over periods of time of use. This allows the foam to bend to the pressure of a users wrist pressing down and through it's thickness as it passes through, then regaining form back into it's original position preventing the wrist to move in a reverse direction in which it is locked into the device.

The users in order to release their wrists from the device would simply apply the same amount of force upward while holding the device to enable the wrist to pass through spreading the foam with the tabs open as the wrist become clear from the device. The same process applies for each wrist. Naturally with the surface acting as an opposite force pressing down requires no assistance from each of the users other hand. When lifting up naturally a resistance needs to keep the device in place so the wrist may be released from the device.

Another method unlike most or all other devices of similar uses, this device allows a user to insert their wrist within the device either palms down as explained above or their wrist rotated ninety degrees clockwise for the right hand and then turn counter clockwise to be engaged for use of the device. This is a preferred method to utilize the device since their would be far less friction and wear on the foam materials which would lead to a longer life of the product. As far as from a design point the various sizes of mens and womens wrists would allow this method to use a one size fits all for better design and longevity of the product. This method will be preferred and show in the figures below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

The accompanying drawings illustrate the aspect of the present invention.

FIG. 1 is a front view of a wrist cushion device of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a side view of a wrist cushion device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a top view of a wrist cushion device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a bottom view of a wrist cushion device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a wrist cushion device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a side view showing the tab support for the foam;

FIG. 7 is a side view showing the tab support within the foam;

FIG. 8 is a top view showing location of tab support in hidden line;

FIG. 9 is a top view with user with device moving side to side;

FIG. 10 is a side view showing loads and support function;

FIG. 11 is a section view showing user in rotating position;

FIG. 12 is a section view showing user in locked position for use of device;

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

A wearable wrist cushion device that allows for maximum mobility and sufficient support for use by typists, computer users and others susceptible or at risk of suffering from repetitive strain injury. Other medical diagnosed injuries associated with prolonged use of a computer mouse and keyboard is carpal tunnel syndrome.

The wearable wrist cushion support device FIG. 1 moves with the user's wrist and stays in proper position on the wrist during typing and computer mouse use. The use of this device is designed to move freely remaining parallel to the tendons in the users wrist as shown in FIGS. 9 & 10 and slide along a surface with Teflon or similar type materials 12 attached to the bottom of the device for minimizing friction.

The sizing of the device will be designed for at least two sizes but not limited to two different sizes. Since the circumference of womens and mens wrist vary greatly as well as users of teenagers there is a greater need to accommodate the supply and demand for variety in sizes. The design of the product is not one size fits all at this time and needs to be able to comfortably be used by users who's wrists vary from five to nine inches in circumference.

Referring to the invention in more detail, in FIG. 1 there is shown a wrist cushion device with a plastic casing 11 and sits on a Teflon or similar friction-less material 12. The neoprene or similar material 10 is covering, or part of a memory foam or similar material. The foam like material is not enclosed 360 degrees but with an opening at the top for a users wrist to be inserted and a plastic tab 13 within FIG. 7 to allow resistance and to keep the shape of the foam or similar materials placement over time.

The material for the wrists to be supported on plastic casing 11 is to manufactured by injection molding of PVC or a similar plastic material. The cushion material would also be manufactured by a similar or same method by injection molding with a material that gives the proper support to a users wrist and has the resilience of lasting over a long period of time with out wear down or tearing but not limited to the lifespan of the product within normal usage and normal computer use conditions.

In further detail, still referring to the invention of FIG. 1, the wrist cushion device is sufficiently wide and long for comfortable ergonomic support. The thickness of the padding similar to a memory foam or a gel like material. Another embodiment to the device mentioned here in FIG. 1 may also have a various option of material to be used for comfortability and aesthetic design purposes and not limited to those explained here in this specification.

The construction details of the invention as shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 6 are that the wrist cushion device may be made of plastic or of any other sufficiently rigid and strong material such as high-strength plastic, metal, and the like. Further, the various components of the wrist cushion device can be made of different materials.

The advantages of the present invention include, without limitation, that it is portable and exceedingly easy to transport FIG. 1 all while being attached to a users wrists. It is easy to move these devices with very little effort because they are relatively small and lightweight. The Teflon plate 12 the sits on the plastic casing 11 by any appropriate adhesive and allows the user to slide the device FIG. 9 easily upon any surface.

In broad embodiment, the present invention is a wrist cushion device to elevate ones wrist for ergonomic support. The FIG. 12 device does allow the user to have the wrist cushion attached to their wrist to be able to move about their office or home with the convenience of it being attached to their wrists.

While the foregoing written description of the invention enables one of ordinary skill to make and use what is considered presently to be the best mode thereof, those of ordinary skill will understand and appreciate the existence of variations, combinations, and equivalents of the specific embodiment, method, and examples herein. The invention should therefore not be limited by the above described embodiment, method, and examples, but by all embodiment's and methods within the scope and spirit of the invention as claimed. 

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 7. A wrist support device with a cushion comprising: a) a pad made of foam and or neoprene forming the base and sides and top of the device (10, FIG. 1); b) a shell portion made of plastic connected to the outside covering the pad portion within (11, FIG. 1) supporting the users wrist with the foam and or neoprene material elevated vertically off the surface or table (FIG. 10); b) plastic tabs on the bottom of the shell as in (12, FIG. 7) help in reducing friction when the device is in motion (FIG. 9).
 8. The according to claim 1, Wherein a portion of the foam and or neoprene; a) extends beyond the plastic shell of the opening on the top (10, FIG. 7); b) supported by a plastic tab extending out from the plastic shell (13 FIG. 6, 7); c) the mouse cushion device allows the user to be locked in freely with no straps (FIG. 9, 11).
 9. The according to claim 1, The foam and or neoprene material used for support of the users wrist: a) is not limited to being fastened to the plastic casing permanently but as an embodiment to the device which may be interchangeable and allows for users to replace the foam and or neoprene support material with ease and efficiency; b) an adhesive not permanently connecting the plastic shell to the foam and or neoprene for durability and to secure the items for prolonged use but a type that can be removed for replacement. 